Three ‘Heatles’ trump Nowitzki again in Game 3

The balanced Miami offense took advantage of solid performances from Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James to cruise to an 88-86 victory in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. It provides the Heat with a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven series.

Wade went for 29 points and 11 rebounds. Bosh notched 18 points including the game-winner with 39.6 seconds left. And James had a solid 17 points and nine assists.

Their collective effort overcame a monster game from Nowitzki, who scored a game-high 34 points but received little help from the rest of his Mavericks team.

Nowitzki had a chance to tie the game at the end of regulation, but he misfired on a 15-foot jumper at the buzzer that would have tied the game with Udonis Haslem providing tough defense.

“It was a good offensive play, and a good defensive play,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters after the game. “And he happened to miss.”

Nowitzki pulled the Mavericks into a chance to win the game at the end by scoring 12 straight points down the stretch on six free throws, a layup, a dunk and a tough jumper that tied it at 86.

But on the Mavericks’ final two possessions, Nowitzki threw a pass out of bounds and missed off the back iron as time ran out.

Dallas players know they must provide more help for Nowitzki in order to square the series when Game 4 is played on Tuesday night.

“We have to have somebody step up besides Dirk,” Dallas guard Jason Kidd told reporters after the game.

Miami’s balance enabled them to reclaim homecourt advantage on Sunday. They can gun for much more when the series resumes for Game 4.